Absolute Return Podcast

Today’s podcast features special guest, ServiceMax CEO Neil Barua. ServiceMax is a leader in asset-centric field service management software. On the podcast, Neil discusses: -Private equity firm Silver Lake’s role in the evolution of ServiceMax -Why the company’s SaaS business model may be attractive for investors -Details regarding its $1.4 billion merger with SPAC Pathfinder Acquisition -Key opportunities in its future growth plan -And more

On today’s podcast we welcome special guest AdTheorent CEO Jim Lawson. AdTheorent is a programmatic digital advertising leader using advanced machine learning technology and solutions to deliver real-world value for advertisers and marketers.   On the show, Jim discusses: - His journey from practicing law to becoming an entrepreneur and CEO - How AdTheorent’s machine learning advertising technology platform works - Why the two most prevalent ad targeting methods, cookie-based retargeting and segment-based audiences, are less effective - Insights into the merger with MCAP Acquisition Corporation - And more

On today’s podcast we welcome special guest, Energy Vault Co-Founder and CEO Robert Piconi. Energy Vault creates gravity-based, grid-scale energy storage solutions with its proprietary technology.   On the show, Rob discusses: -The initial idea behind the founding of Energy Vault -How Energy Vault’s energy storage systems work -Insights into the company’s recent going public transaction -How Energy Vault differs from the competition -And more

On today’s podcast we have a discussion between Julian and three market experts, SPACGuru (G), SPACInsider (Kristi) and SPACWarrants (Jeff), for an in-depth discussion on the state of the blank check market: - What to make of high redemption rates and low float meme stock short squeezes? - How are IPO terms evolving? - What will be the future of PSTH and the SPARC structure? - Lawsuits, the SEC and the future of SPACs - And more

On today’s podcast we welcome special guests, Altus Power Co-CEOs  Gregg Felton and Lars Norell. Altus Power is a market-leading clean electrification company focused on solar power.   On the show, Gregg and Lars discuss: -The major skills and resources gained in law and investment banking that gave them the confidence to start Altus -The company’s current portfolio assets and growth pipeline -The macro thesis behind clean electrification -Why CBRE holdings was an ideal merger partner in going public -And more

On today’s podcast we welcome special guest, IronNet’s co-CEO Bill Welch. IronNet is an innovative leader transforming cybersecurity through Collective Defense.   On the show, Bill discusses: - How cyber threats have evolved over the past 20 years - What CTOs and executives should be concerned about regarding their company’s network security - What he learned from their recent going-public process - Key drivers of IronNet’s forecast 78% revenue CAGR - And more

On today’s podcast we welcome special guest, BBQGuys CEO Russ Wheeler. BBQGuys is a leading specialty e-commerce platform for higher-end BBQ grills, grilling accessories and outdoor living products for both homeowners and professional builders.   On the show, Russ discusses: -How the business evolved from a single brick-and-mortar store back in 1998 -BBQGuys’ competitive advantage and omnichannel strategy -How the legendary football family, the Mannings, are involved in the company -Key growth initiatives to drive a forecast 26% revenue CAGR -And more

On today’s podcast we welcome the Co-Founder and CEO of Embark Trucks, Alex Rodrigues. Embark is a leading developer of autonomous software technology for the trucking industry.   On the show, Alex discusses: -What it was like to drop out of university to become a Thiel Fellow -Embark’s self-driving technology and their value proposition to customers -Insights into the $4.55 billion merger with Northern Genesis Acquisition II -How they get investors comfortable with a pre-revenue stage company -And more

On today’s podcast we welcome special guest John Carrington. John is the CEO of Stem, the market leader in AI-driven clean energy storage systems.   On the show, John discusses: - How Stem’s business has evolved in the 8 years since he joined - The competitive landscape and what makes Stem the market leader - Insights into the recent going-public process - ESG, AI and the company’s growth opportunities - And more

On today’s podcast we welcome special guest, Vacasa CEO Matt Roberts. Vacasa is the leading vacation rental management platform in North America and it just announced a $3.75 billion going public transaction.   On the show, Matt discusses: - Vacasa’s business model and how it differs from Airbnb - Its value proposition and why customers would choose Vacasa - Insights into Vacasa’s merger with TPG Pace Solutions - The investment case for the stock - And more